President Donald Trump on Saturday officially nominated Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Amy Coney Barrett to replace the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, setting up a contentious battle in the Senate.
Barrett has described herself as an “originalist,” meaning she interprets the Constitution based on what she believes was the original intent of its authors, a legal approach used by conservative members of the court.
In accepting the nomination, Barrett summed up her judicial philosophy: “Judges are not policymakers and they must be resolute in setting aside any policy views they might hold.”
President Trump called Barrett’s record “beyond reproach” and said it should be a “straightforward and prompt confirmation,” though the process is likely to be anything but in the face of stiff opposition from Democrats and skepticism from a few Republicans.
If confirmed, Barrett would be Trump’s third Supreme Court pick.
Republicans are aiming to start confirmation hearings on October 12, according to multiple media reports.